The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
51°F
Current Conditions
Few clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

Obafemi Martins, Clint Dempsey lead Seattle past Toronto

Clint Dempsey netted the winner, and had an assist, in his return to the Sounders lineup. (Associated Press)
Clint Dempsey netted the winner, and had an assist, in his return to the Sounders lineup. (Associated Press)
Tim Booth Associated Press

SEATTLE – Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey reconnected at a time the Seattle Sounders need all the points in the standings they can get.

Martins scored his 11th goal of the season in the opening minutes, Dempsey connected off a counter attack in the 77th minute and Seattle beat Toronto FC 2-1 on Saturday night, a crucial victory for the Sounders’ playoff hopes.

Martins and Dempsey played together in an MLS game for the first time since May 31 and showed they remain one of the more dynamic duos in the league. The pair instigated both goals, Dempsey feeding Martins for the first goal and Dempsey pouncing on a loose ball at the end of Martins’ long run to put Seattle (13-13-2) in front late.

The Sounders have 41 points and jumped ahead of both Sporting KC and Portland in the Western Conference playoff chase.

“We’ve always had that pick-up style understanding with each other with our movements and knowing where we want the ball,” Dempsey said. “It just seems like something you can’t really teach.”

Eriq Zavaleta scored in the 59th minute for Toronto (11-11-4).

A combination of injuries, suspensions and national team duty kept Martins and Dempsey from being on the field at the same time for more than three months. During that stretch, Seattle tumbled from the top of the Western Conference to a spot where its playoff status is far from certain.

The pair was back in sync quickly.

In the sixth minute, Dempsey chipped a pass over the Toronto defense to Martins, who was barely onside. Martins collected the ball just inside the box and calmly stroked a half volley inside the side netting.

“I still don’t feel like 100 percent … but I wanted to be out there and be able to make an impact,” Dempsey said.